God's Glory Church

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“God is a refuge for us.” — Psalm 61:9

Long ago, herds of bison roamed here. Indians roamed the prairies after bison. Then the settlers came here with their herds and tried to cultivate the land. Later, after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the US entry into World War II, the area was used for chemicals, and even later for the destruction of Cold War weapons. But then bald eagles were found nesting here. This is how the National Wildlife Refuge “Arsenal of the Rocky Mountains” appeared – six thousand hectares of prairies, swamps and forests northeast of Denver (Colorado). Today, it’s one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in the country – a safe, protected home for over three hundred animal species, from black-footed ferrets to night owls, bald eagles and, you guessed it, bison.

The psalmist David says that God is our refuge (Ps. 61:9). Far better than any earthly shelter, God is our true sanctuary, the safe place in which we “live, and move, and have our being” (Acts 17:28). He is a refuge in which we can hide “at all times” (Ps. 61:9). We can boldly offer our prayers to Him, pouring out our hearts before Him.

This is how our God was in the past, this is how He is now and this is how He will always be.

What does the phrase “God is our refuge” mean to you? What do you want to tell Him about today?

Loving God, thank You for being my safe and secure refuge.

Author: John Blaze

“Do not quench the spirit.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:19

I knew that after the hurricane there would be no electricity in the house (an unpleasant but common occurrence in our area), however, entering the room, I instinctively reached out and flicked the switch. Of course, nothing happened. As before, I remained in the dark.

This experience of waiting for the light despite realizing that the connection to the energy source was broken reminded me of a spiritual truth. We often wait for power from above without having a connection to its source.

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonians that his evangelization was not “only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit, and with great assurance” (1 Thess. 1:5). By accepting God’s forgiveness, believers instantly gain access to the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives. This power produces in us qualities such as love, joy, peace, and long-suffering (Gal. 5:22-23), and also gives us special abilities for ministry in the church, including teaching, helping, and governing (1 Cor. 12:28).

Paul warned his readers that they could quench the Spirit (1 Thess. 5:19). We limit the power of the Holy Spirit by ignoring God’s presence or rejecting His revelation (John 16:8). But we must not live apart from Him. God’s power is always available to His children.

How was the power of the Holy Spirit manifested in your life? Have you ever felt her absence?

Almighty God, help me to always feel the power of Your Spirit in my life.

Author: Lisa Samra

“The Lord does not resist… but he is patient with you, because he does not want anyone to perish.” — 2 Peter 3:9

At the end of his life, John Perkins left a message to the people he was parting with. Perkins, a prominent proponent of racial reconciliation, said, “Repentance is the only way to return to God. If you don’t repent, you will all perish.”

These words are a repetition of what Jesus and many other heroes of the Bible said. Commenting on the death of the Galilean pilgrims, the Lord said: “If you do not repent, you will all perish like this!” (Luke 13:3). The Apostle Peter told people: “Repent and be converted, so that He may have mercy on your sins” (Acts 3:19).

In the Old Testament, we read the words of another person who wanted the people to convert to God. In the farewell speech “to all Israel” (1 Sam. 12:1), the prophet and judge Samuel said: “Do not be afraid! You have done all that evil, but do not depart from the Lord, and serve the Lord with all your heart” (v. 20). It was also a sermon calling for repentance. Samuel begged the people to turn away from evil and turn to God with all their souls.

We are all sinners and fall short of God’s standard. Therefore, we also need to repent, that is, turn away from sin and turn to Jesus Christ, who forgives and gives strength to follow Him. Let’s listen to the parting words of John Perkins and the prophet Samuel, who knew how God can use the power of repentance to make us those who will bring Him glory.

Why is it important to leave sin and ask Christ for forgiveness? What does it mean to follow God with all your heart?

God, lead me to true repentance. Help me to confess my sins and fully rely on the saving power of Jesus Christ.

Author: David Brenon

“Many publicans and sinners sat with Jesus.” — Mark 2:15

I recently found myself in a place that I have seen many times in movies and on TV – Hollywood! The huge white letters lined up on the famous hill could be seen from the palm of my hand from my hotel window.

But besides them, I noticed something else. To the left and slightly below the inscription “Hollywood” stood a cross. This was not shown in the cinema. And when I left the room, students from the local church talked to me about Christ.

For many, Hollywood is the center of everything worldly, opposed to the Kingdom of God. However, Christ clearly performed His work here as well. I admit, it was a surprise for me.

Many actions and words of Jesus were unexpected for the Pharisees. He did not associate with people who had general respect. His company consisted of “publicans and sinners” (Mk. 2:13-17) – people whose lives practically screamed: “Unclean!” He spent time with those who needed Him most (vv. 16-17).

For more than two thousand years, the Lord has continued to sow seeds of hope and salvation in unexpected places and among unexpected people. And He also calls and equips us to be a part of this ministry.

Have you ever seen God work in unexpected places? How can you be more open to serving Christ under such conditions?

Heavenly Father, thank You for working even in those places where I don’t think You should be. I am glad that You call me to be a part of Your service.

Author: Adam Holtz

“Because You are with me.” — Psalm 22:4

At seven in the evening, Huey Liang finished his leftover rice and fish balls in his kitchen. Chua’s family was also having dinner in the apartment next door. Their cheerful laughter and lively conversation could be clearly heard in the silence of Huei Liang’s apartment, where he lived alone after his wife’s death. He humbled himself with his loneliness. Over the years, the sharp pain of loss has dulled and he has learned to bear it. But today, the sight of a half-empty bowl and a pair of chopsticks pierced him to the core.

Before going to sleep, he read his favorite Psalm 22. The most important words to him in this Psalm were also the shortest: “For You are with me” (v. 4). Huey Liang found special comfort not in the shepherd’s practical care for his sheep, but in his constant presence and attention to all the details of their lives (vv. 2-5). This brought peace to my heart.

Knowing that someone is around brings great comfort to lonely people. God promises His children that He will always love them (Ps. 102:17) and never leave them (Heb. 13:5). When we feel alone and forgotten, whether it’s in the kitchen at night, or on the bus on the way home from work, or even in a crowded store, let’s remember that the good Shepherd is looking at us with love. We can always confidently say: “You are with me.”

When do you usually feel lonely? What does Psalm 22 say about loneliness?

Loving God, thank you for always being with me.

Author: Karen Huang

“Because where your treasure is, there will be your heart!” — Matthew 6:21

At the end of the 18th century, a young man discovered a mysterious depression on Oak Island in Nova Scotia (province of Canada). Deciding that there are pirate treasures buried here, perhaps Captain Kid himself, he and his friends began to dig. They did not find any treasures, but the rumor about it has already taken on a life of its own. Over the centuries, many people continued to dig in this place, spending a lot of effort and money. Today, the depth of the pit is more than thirty meters.

Such obsessions indicate an emptiness in the human heart. The Bible tells of a man whose behavior also shows a similar emptiness. This man is Gehazi, the servant of the prophet Elisha. Once Elisha refused the generous gifts of a Syrian military commander whom God had healed of leprosy. And then Gehazi came up with a trick to ask for some of the gifts for himself (2 Kings 5:22). Then, returning home, he lied to the prophet (v. 25). But Elisha knew everything. “Didn’t my heart go with you when that man turned from his wagon to meet you?” he said to Gehazi (v. 26). The deceiver got what he wanted, but lost much more (v. 27).

Jesus taught not to chase the riches of the world, but instead to lay up “treasures in heaven” (Mt. 6:20).

Let’s beware of our desires. Following Christ is the only way to fill the void in the heart.

What do you want most? What pursuits and passions failed to fill the void in your heart?

God, I surrender my desires to You. Help me to find treasures that are precious to You.

Author: Tim Gustavson

“And Israel saw the strong hand that the Lord showed in Egypt, and that people began to fear the Lord!” — Exodus 2:31 p.m

In August 2021, when Hurricane Ida hit the Louisiana coast, the seemingly impossible happened. The force of the wind turned out to be so great that the current of the mighty Mississippi River turned in the opposite direction. In the news it was called a “reverse flow”: the water flowed upwards for several hours.

According to experts, during its life cycle, a storm surge releases energy equivalent to ten thousand nuclear bombs! Such incredible power to change the flow of rivers helps me to understand the Israelites’ response to the more significant “reverse flow” described in the book of Exodus.

Escaping from the enslavers who oppressed them for many years, the Israelites came to the shore of the Red Sea. In front of them was a wide expanse of water, and behind them – an armed Egyptian army. In this hopeless situation, God did what seemed impossible. “The Lord drove the sea with a strong east wind all night, and made the sea dry land, and the water parted. And the children of Israel entered the middle of the sea” (Ex. 14:21-22). Seeing such an incredible display of God’s power, the people began to fear the Lord (v. 31).

Reverent fear is a natural response of a person who has witnessed God’s power. But Israel not only feared, but also believed the Lord (v. 31).

Looking at God’s power in creation, we will also revere the Creator and believe in Him.

What manifestations of God’s power in creation have you seen? How much has it strengthened your faith?

Creator of heaven and earth, help me, looking at the amazing manifestations of Your power, to trust You more.

Author: Lisa Samra

“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the Word of Christ.” — Romans 10:17

Pastor Bob suffered an injury that seriously affected his voice. This caused him to fall into a depression that lasted for fifteen years. What good is a pastor who can’t speak? He sought an answer to this question, pouring out his longing and confusion before God. “I found only one way out: to turn to the Word of God,” he recalls. Pastor Bob began to diligently study the Bible, and the more he did it, the stronger his love for God grew. “I decided to immerse myself in the Scriptures and absorb them as much as possible. After all, faith comes from hearing, and hearing from the Word of God,” he says.

These words, “faith comes from hearing”, are recorded in the Epistle of the Apostle Paul to the Romans. Paul wanted all his fellow Jews to believe in Christ and be saved (Rom. 10:9). But how to believe them? There is only one way: to listen to the message about the Savior contained in God’s Word (v. 17).

Pastor Bob remains faithful to his decision. Every day he listens with his heart to what the Bible tells him about Christ. He can speak no more than an hour a day, while experiencing severe pain. But he continues to find peace and contentment in God through immersion in the Holy Scriptures. We will also believe that Christ will reveal Himself to us in our difficulties. He will strengthen our faith if we are attentive to His Word, no matter what trials come our way.

How has immersion in the Scriptures strengthened your faith? Why can we be content even if life presents difficulties?

Loving God, You give me hope in the face of pain and uncertainty. Make me the way You want me to be.

By Amy Buescher Pye

“This is a good and beautiful thing, so that brothers can live together!” — Psalm 132:1

Ten teams, each of three people, prepared for an unusual race. One participant in each team stood in the middle. His legs were tied at the ankles and knees to the legs of those who were nearby. The whistle blew and the participants headed for the finish line. Most immediately fell to the ground, unsuccessfully trying to get up. Several teams decided not to walk, but to jump. Some gave up. But one team developed a plan of action first, even though it started later, and then constantly coordinated its moves. Several times the participants stumbled, but continued to move forward persistently and as a result came first. Their willingness to coordinate every step helped them cross the finish line and win.

Life in a community of believers can sometimes be frustrating. Trying to interact with people who hold different views, we often “stomp in place”.

Apostle Peter convinces us to achieve unity through prayer, mutual acceptance and service. He calls on the readers to have “sincere love for one another” (1 Pet. 4:8), to be hospitable without grumbling and to serve one another “each with the gift he has received, as stewards of all the grace of God” (v. 10). By asking God for help in our cooperation with each other, we will be able to go our way and show the world how to live in Christian unity.

Think of a time when you had a hard time working with someone who was different from you. How has God helped you?

Almighty God, help me to interact with my brothers and sisters in joint work and learn to love as You love.

Author: Sosheel Dixon